Five Tips to Help with the Year of Firsts

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Sytsema Funeral Home | Leave a comment
Posted under Grief

The first year following the death of someone dear—a parent, a child, a sibling, a spouse, or a good friend—is frequently referred to as “the year of firsts.” It will be the first time the holidays, birthdays, and the occasions both sad and happy that were shared and witnessed with the person who has passed […]

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Should we Have an Open Casket?

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Sytsema Funeral Home | Leave a comment
Posted under Funeral Service

“I was very surprised at my reaction. Seeing John in his casket wasn’t something I was looking forward to. His daughter (from his first marriage) really wanted an open casket.  So, I agreed. Mostly just to remain on good terms with my stepdaughter. He looked so peaceful. He had a Mona Lisa smile. I am […]

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Why Not Call the Funeral Director?

Posted on March 30, 2024 by Sytsema Funeral Home | Leave a comment
Posted under Funeral

A husband and father of four dies suddenly. He languishes in the morgue at the coroner’s office for weeks because no one knows what to do and no one is empowered to act. The only thing the kids and grandchildren can agree on is that their father did not want to spend a lot of […]

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Expressions of Condolences

Posted on March 16, 2024 by Sytsema Funeral Home | Leave a comment
Posted under Dealing with Loss

Back in the day, before embalming was wide-spread, flowers surrounded the casket and perfumed the air. Today, it is no longer necessary to have flowers scent the air.  And yet, there is something comforting about the presence of flowers at a funeral. Flowers are beautiful. What an amazing way nature has provided for life to […]

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Planning for Cremation

Posted on March 2, 2024 by Sytsema Funeral Home | Leave a comment
Posted under Uncategorized

1. Choose a cremation provider 2. Decide on a “closing” ceremony 3. Choose a final resting place Start with the end. Where will your cremated remains “rest”? There are three general choices and a variety of options within each choice. On average, a cremated human body will be reduced to about five pounds of coarse […]

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